Jesper KollBy Jesper Koll -- The first installment of a new regular column on the Japanese economy and why it is a powerful force in shaping our global futures -- In the summer of 2008, the global economy faced unprecedented challenges. Torn between the threat of asset deflation in the US and rampant commodity price inflation in emerging markets, something had to give. A global slowdown seemed inevitable. For forward-looking investors, the really interesting question is which country and which market is likely to emerge as the winner once the downturn-dust settles.

By Sarah Noorbakhsh -- Where is the best of Japan’s wine produced? -- Acres of vineyards await in Japan’s answer to Napa Valley -- Only about 200 kilometers from central Tokyo is a lush and green country that feels thousands of miles away in spirit. The region is auspiciously known as the fruit basket of Japan, a title hailing from the variety of produce farmed here. Lying contentedly in the shadow of Mt Fuji is Yamanashi Prefecture, a mountainous landscape cradling a basin that has been blessed with a relatively mild and dry climate.

Nicolas Serres
This month Arrivals & Departures takes a different approach from its usual format to focus on Weber Shandwick’s new Olympic bid specialist, Nicolas Serres.

J@pan Inc is offering the prize of two free tickets to see Tokyo Sinfonia—Japan’s finest chamber orchestra conducted by Robert Ryker. All correctly completed entries will be entered into our prize draw.